"A Month In Paradise" Top 5 Page for this destination Hawaii (State of) by deecat

Hawaii (State of) Travel Guide: 12,477 reviews and 25,328 photos

Sunset Seen From the Lanai of our Condo - Hawaii (State of)

Maui and Honolulu: A Study In Contrasts

Once again, the Classified Section of The Chicago Tribune came through for us! We found several advertisements about Condos for rent in Maui, and after much investigation, we selected THE MAHANA on Kaanapali Beach. We rented this luxury condominium for one month, and we also made reservations for a three-night stay at the WAIKKI BEACHCOMBER HOTEL in Honolulu.

Both decisions were good ones.
The lifestyle in these two places were at the complete extremes. Nevertheless, it was great experiencing both the "laid-back", sedate environment at Kaanapali Beach in Maui and the "high energy" cosmopolitan environment at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

What both places had in common was beauty: the lush greenery, the sparkling turquoise water, the endless beaches, the swaying palms, the vibrant tones and hues of the exotic flowers, and the friendly, helpful people.

One would think that with a whole month in this American Paradise, all the many activities could be covered....not correct.

There is so much to see and do, and with limited funds, it is not at all possible. That might be the one negative about visiting Hawaii, the expense.

We were fortunate because we used out "miles" instead of money to purchase our tickets to the Islands. Our one bedroom condo on the beach averaged about $90.00 a day (which is very good in Maui!)
We chose to do activities that cost next to nothing such as the free tennis playing that came with the condo, walking the beach, swimming in the lovely outdoor pool, lots of "window shopping" in
Lahaina, and whale watching in the mornings from our private lanai.

We cooked most of our meals at the condo; however, went out to eat about one or two times a week in Maui and all the time in Honolulu.

All-in-all, the month was both restful and exhilirating.

The Value of a Car on Maui

Roadside Splendor

My suggestion is to rent a car if you stay on Maui because everything is so spread out, and many of the wonderful places required car travel.

This roadside waterfall is one example of what one is able to see while driving in Maui.

MAUI's name comes from the demigod who drew the Hawaiian Islands up from the ocean. It means Valley Isle.

Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain, and it has been voted the BEST HAWAIIAN ISLAND.

Cherish the Local Activities of Island Life

Pre-School Field Trip to Honolulu Zoo

While in Honolulu, we visited the city zoo and were completely charmed by the local pre-school children and their teachers.

The photograph shows the pre-schoolers boarding the bus to return to school after a morning at the Honolulu Zoo. Notice that the teachers use white umbrellas to shelter their skin from the strong noon-day sun.

O'AHU is the name of the island where the city of Honolulu is located. O'ahu is the third largest island in the Hawaiian chain, but is where 3/4ths of the state's population resides.

The city of HONOLULU is the state of Hawaii's capitol and the 11the largest U.S. city.

WAIKIKI beach draws the most visitors. It covers 450 acres!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Breathtaking beauty, exotic flowers and plants,climate
Cons:Very expensive
In a nutshell:America's Jewel of the Pacific

Last visit to Hawaii (State of): Jan 1997
Intro Updated Jun 24, 2006
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Reviews (24)

Whale Watch Captain giving the "Hang Loose" Sign - Hawaii (State of)

Whale Watching is a "Must" on Maui Local Customs (1)

Fortunately, we were in Maui during the month of January, which is a good time for seeing the whales. The best place... more travel advice

Tennis Courts at The Mahana - Hawaii (State of)

Free Tennis With the Condo Sports & Outdoors (2)

While staying for a month at The Mahana Condominiums on Kaanapali Beach in Maui, we were able to use the tennis courts... more travel advice

One of 54 holes on Kapalua Golf Course - Hawaii (State of)

For "The Well-Heeled Golfer" Sports & Outdoors (2)

At the Maui Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Resort there are 54 championship holes of golf available, for a price. There is also a... more travel advice

Royal Hawaiian Hotel - Hawaii (State of)

"Pink Palace of the Pacific" Favorites (5)

One of the first hotels build in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian has been dubbed, "The Pink Palace of the... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (5)
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Written Feb 23, 2004

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Comments (65)

Yaqui Feb 22, 2011 at 3:18 PM Report Abuse

Some day I will get to see this fabulous place as you tell it. It is like I am there. Your tips and details are always so helpful. The pools are fantastic!
jillzi Nov 5, 2010 at 8:15 AM Report Abuse

That would be a dream come true to spent a month there. Having stayed here for one month, you have very helpful and detailed tips, which I appreciate. Great photographs.
misterrabbit Oct 13, 2010 at 10:54 AM Report Abuse

What great photographs. How lucky are you to spend a month in Hawaii? What a great find on the condo. You seemed to have loved each and every aspect of your visit.
balhannah Aug 30, 2010 at 2:34 AM Report Abuse

Sounds like you had a great holiday! The Luau show sounds like a must see, and what a meal to go with it!
hunterV Mar 24, 2010 at 10:54 PM Report Abuse

I would like to pay a visit to Hawaii some day, but it belongs more to a dream than to a plan....
Nemorino Jul 3, 2008 at 3:09 PM Report Abuse

Fine detailed tips, as always! I once saw a beautiful sunset in Hawaii -- from the airport terrace, while our plane was being refueled in 1964.
SLLiew May 14, 2008 at 11:30 AM Report Abuse

Another excellent page. So much diversity in Hawaii. Was surprise to know about the bamboo forest. Bring back fond memories of Hawaii. Cheers, SL :)
VeronicaG May 9, 2008 at 5:57 AM Report Abuse

I've revisited your page on Hawaii because we'll be flying to Oahu in June!! I'm reading an excellent book, Oahu Revisited, that will be invaluable to us. Loved your tips, Dee!!! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY....
cnango Jul 4, 2007 at 10:54 PM Report Abuse

Wow Dee your well researched informative tips will be most helpful when we return to Hi. In all our many visits I never saw the Lahaina Lighthouse, Bamboo forest or amazing RITZy pool. Thanks for sharing. Nancy : )
toonsarah Jan 27, 2007 at 12:24 PM Report Abuse

Consistently excellent tips, beautiful photos and some fascinating insights - Hawaii, and especially Maui, is now firmly on my wish-list Dee!